Austin Community College’s (ACC) Celebration of Great Teaching Retreat is a professional development experience unlike any other. Rather than relying on outside experts, the retreat taps into the collective wisdom of practicing educators. This approach allows participants to explore universal teaching principles, share insights, and develop new strategies for enhancing student engagement. Many attendees have described the retreat as the best professional development experience of their careers—an opportunity to refresh their passion for teaching and gain practical takeaways that immediately impact their classrooms.

A Legacy of Excellence: History of the Retreat

The Great Teaching Seminars, first developed by David Gotshall and Roger Garrison in 1969, were designed to create a space where educators could share insights, discuss best practices, and refine their teaching approaches through peer collaboration. These seminars quickly spread as institutions recognized the power of peer-led professional development. Hundreds of similar events have since emerged nationwide, including the ACC retreat, which began in 1996 under the leadership of David Lydic and Sandra Gaskin. Though temporarily paused from 2003 to 2006 due to funding challenges, faculty demand led to its reinstatement in 2007. Since then, it has remained a faculty favorite, thanks to its immersive format and reputation for fostering deep professional and personal connections.

In 2024, Dr. Missi Patterson took on the role of Lead Facilitator, ensuring the retreat continues to evolve while staying true to its core mission. The event is coordinated by the Office of Faculty Development within the Teaching and Learning Excellence Division (TLED) and welcomes full-time and adjunct faculty, as well as librarians, counselors, and Continuing Education instructors to participate in this enriching experience.

Unlock Your Teaching Potential: Benefits of Participating

Faculty members who attend the retreat consistently highlight its profound impact on their teaching and overall professional growth.

“The Retreat is one of those experiences that faculty look forward to every year. It’s a chance to step away from the day-to-day, connect with colleagues, and pick up some really useful teaching strategies—all in a setting that feels more like a getaway than a conference. You’ll leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready to bring new ideas into your classroom.”

– Chelsea Biggerstaff, Interim Manager of Faculty Development

The event provides:

    • A Supportive Learning Community: Educators connect with colleagues across disciplines, exchanging ideas and gaining fresh perspectives.
    • Practical Teaching Strategies: Sessions are tailored to address real classroom challenges, equipping participants with actionable insights.
    • Renewed Passion for Teaching: Stepping away from daily responsibilities allows faculty to rediscover their love for education.
    • Professional Development Credit: Attendees earn 12 hours of professional development credit, making it a valuable investment in their careers. Attending the retreat counts toward the annual professional development hours requirement for full-time and adjunct faculty.
A Transformative Experience: Faculty Testimonials

The Celebration of Great Teaching retreat is a transformative experience for faculty members, allowing them an opportunity to reflect, collaborate, and reignite their passion for education. Faculty members like Amy Ashton Cunningham, English Professor and Teaching & Learning Academy Course Facilitator, have found the retreat deeply inspiring:

“I loved watching other teachers practice their craft! We had the chance to work with a group to put together a mini-lesson. As teachers from across all content areas, with varying styles, and various years of experience, it was awesome to see everyone work together to create something engaging for the group.”

“The best part of The Celebration of Great Teaching is that it reactivates your teacher’s heart. Connecting with other educators without the pressure of deliverables opened me up to simply reflecting on my practices and helped me remember why I got into teaching in the first place.”

– Amy Ashton Cunningham, English Professor, and Teaching & Learning Academy Course Facilitator

Similarly, Ray Sandoval, a Student Development faculty member, found the retreat to be a valuable opportunity to reflect on his teaching strategies and connect with fellow educators. One of the biggest takeaways for him was the emphasis on group work as an effective instructional strategy:

“The teaching strategies/ideas that really stood out for me were the ones that focused on group work. Allowing your students to work in groups more in the classroom in order to gain a better understanding of the content (not just through their eyes) via the experiences of others/their classmates.”

“Although it wasn’t something new, I saw the way we were broken up into small groups during the retreat and thought this was a practice I should utilize more in the classroom.”

– Ray Sandoval, Student Development Faculty Member

Dr. Tulashi Dahal, adjunct associate professor, reflected on the retreat’s impact on professional growth and faculty connections:

“There were countless benefits of attending the retreat. One of the biggest advantages was the opportunity to meet and network with the faculty from other disciplines whom I would not have had the chance to meet otherwise.”

“The exchange of ideas on effective communication and teaching was unmatched. Besides the professional development trainings, the days were filled with fun activities such as horse riding, volleyball, and hay riding.”

– Dr. Tulashi Dahal, Adjunct Associate Professor

These testimonials highlight the profound impact of the retreat on faculty members, fostering a renewed commitment to teaching, student success, and lifelong learning. Through shared experiences, collaborative learning, and meaningful reflection, educators leave the retreat feeling more connected, inspired, and ready to make a difference in their classrooms.

Apply now for the 2025 Celebration of Great Teaching Retreat

This year’s retreat promises to be another memorable and rewarding experience.

    • Dates: April 11–13, 2025 (Friday evening – Sunday afternoon)
    • Location: Mo-Ranch, 2229 FM 1340, Hunt, TX, 78024
    • Cost: ACC covers all expenses except transportation, insurance, or incidentals.
    • Limited Spots: 25 participants will be selected from all applicants.
    • Application Deadline: The deadline to apply is Wednesday, March 7, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

You’ll leave with great takeaways to enhance your teaching and a stronger connection to fellow educators. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind opportunity!

Apply today and be part of this incredible professional development experience. Please contact the Office of Faculty Development at [email protected] if you have any questions or if you require special accommodations.

Apply Here